Security

on 'Security'

In the decade before Stuxnet attacked process control systems in Iran, there were just five known supervisory control and data acquisition (SCADA) vulnerabilities for all control systems in the world, according to the U.S. Department of Homeland Security’s Industrial Control Systems Cyber Emergency Response Team (ICS-CERT). In 2011, the year after Stuxnet, that vulnerability count jumped to more than 215. Last year, it reached 248 (Figure 1). No surprise then that Chemical makers are increasingly focusing on protecting their process control systems from intrusion both from the inside and outside. In this Chemical Processing Special Report: Secure plan(t), we take a look at:How to better protect your control system - “Defense in depth” is crucial, and new and maturing technologies may helpCyber Security Challenges – learn about countermeasures to protect control systemsCase Study: A vulnerability assessment reveals critical gaps in the security of a natural gas pipelineHow to mitigate security risks in legacy process control systems - several steps can help protect against threats and extend the life of legacy equipment

Patching process control system software to remove security vulnerabilities is fraught with risk. System issues can be the result of installing a patch, but a system is also vulnerable without patching. Fortunately, virtual patching can improve the process and raise the system’s security at the same time.

As companies and industries increasingly rely on technology, security risks become greater. With growing numbers of Windows machines and increased scarcity of skilled technical resources, a “perfect storm” of cyber threats in production facilities is looming.

As the security threat landscape continues to evolve, so must your response. With increasing numbers of attempted intrusions, cautionary tales of security breaches and the potential for resulting damages at your site, application whitelisting can be an important addition to your security arsenal.

As the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) moves forward with the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS), the program continues to evolve. This white paper describes the ongoing CFATS compliance process (which is a combination of technical, procedural, and personnel security) and also provides insight regarding how to develop or revise a comprehensive Site Security Plan (SSP) and prepare for a CFATS Authorization Inspection (AI). Recommendations are relevant to SSPs for all tier levels and should be considered for a facility's initial SSP submission and/or any required SSP resubmission. Download this white paper now: Tips for Inspection and Resubmission.

The past two years have been a real wakeup call for the industrial automation industry. For the first time ever it has been the target of sophisticated cyber attacks like Stuxnet, Night Dragon and Duqu.

In addition, an unprecedented number of security vulnerabilities have been exposed in industrial control products and regulatory agencies are demanding compliance to complex and confusing regulations. Cyber security has quickly become a serious issue for professionals in the process and critical infrastructure industries.

If you are a process control engineer, an IT professional in a company with an automation division, or a business manager responsible for safety or security, you may be wondering how your organization can get moving on more robust cyber security practices.

In order to provide you with guidance in this area, Tofino Security and exida Consulting LLC have condensed material from numerous industry standards and best practice documents. They also combined experience in assessing the security of dozens of industrial control systems.

The result is an easy-to-follow 7-step process.

The technology advances in control systems and open systems have afforded us improved efficiency, productivity and the ability to advance our operations. However, these improved technology advances have also come with risks that threaten these efficiencies. Viruses; an increased dependency on uptime, availability and reliability; operator errors and increased regulations are just some of the threats today's manufacturers need to contend with when managing their operations. In this Putman Media Special Report, we take a look at the cyber security issues today's manufacturers need to contend with; identify control systems vulnerabilities and offer a three-step approach for building better cyber security at your operations.

Remain informed about adjustments to MTSA and learn how the program continues to evolve. This paper provides regulatory updates on the current state of MTSA and information about Transportation Worker Identification Credential (TWIC). Find out about new challenges, such as harmonization with Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS). The paper also covers the current discussion among industry and government officials regarding the differences associated with the MTSA and CFATS programs, including ways to coordinate chemical security regulations. Learn about TWIC reader pilot program updates, as well as practical tips for compliance. Download MTSA Tips & Updates Paper

Working on your Site Security Plan (SSP)? The next stage in the Chemical Facility Anti-Terrorism Standards (CFATS) compliance process requires covered facilities to submit a SSP. Given the importance of the SSP, covered facilities should address a number of factors while they complete this step in the CFATS regulation. Download this complimentary whitepaper now: Ten Tips for Completing your SSP.

David A. Moore, PE, CSP, president and CEO of AcuTech Consulting Group, testified at a June 2006 hearing on Inherently Safer Technology in the Context of Chemical Site Security at The Senate Environment and Public Works Committee

This 10-page document discusses how the reference from the Center for Chemical Process Safety -- "Inherently Safer Chemical Processes, A Life Cycle Approach," 1st Edition, 1996 -- was updated in 2007.
Inherent Safety has been well received by industry, but there has been significant advancement in the concept of inherently safer design over the last 10 years. This overview highlights lessons learned and best practices in inherent safety.

Ensuring the security of industrial control systems is hardly a new topic. The earliest users of modern control systems in power stations and chemical plants saw the need to protect access to vital control functions from unauthorized use. Similarly, in industries such as fine chemical or pharmaceutical
where the process is the product, manufacturers have always sought to protect the secrets of their unique processes from the prying eyes of industrial spies. This white paper by ARC describes how the Siemens AG PCS7 Security Concept bundles key security measures in seveal specific areas to create a deep hierarchy of security known as defense in depth.

The power industry is susceptible to a variety
of cyber threats, which can wreak havoc on control systems. Management, engineering and IT must commit to a comprehensive approach that encompasses threat prevention,
detection and elimination.

This document provides an understanding of intrusion detection and prevention systems, why they are necessary, how and where they fit in the control system environment, and gives example scenarios.

This document describes best practices for the reference architecture for a process control system network and its interfaces to a corporate network. The papers objective is to give the reader an understanding of the techniques utilized to securely connect these networks.

In the real world, sharing PCN data with external systems and accessing PCN systems from external
sources is fast becoming a business necessity. This paper provides some generic guidelines for enabling
secure connectivity between PCNs and external systems.

OSHAs Hazard Communication Standard (HCS) is based on a simple conceptthat employees have both a need and a right to know the hazards and identities of the chemicals they are exposed to when working.

Plant security is a key priority at many plants. This 10-page paper provides background what the methodology for a plant vulnerability analysis involves. It covers topics such as how to get started, available tools, and risk assessment.